Tai Chi/Qigong Articles

Elderly people who live in senior housing communities can benefit from residentially based tai chi programs, according to a report in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society (2014; 62 [8]; 1484–89; doi: 10.1111/jgs.12946).
Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston and
the National Central University in Jhongli, Taiwan, wanted to determine the effects of a tai chi training program on functional performance, and on walking while performing another task, among older adults living in a supportive-care facility.

Have you or has the facility where you work delivered any mind-body programs, like tai chi or yoga, to residents of older-adult housing communities? If so, please tell us about it. Let us know what level of care facility (independent or assisted living) was served, and what types of activity programs have been successful. Offer any tips on how you think others might also begin offering such programs.
Share your responses with editor Sandy Todd Webster, swebster@ideafit.com.

It doesn’t take long before many fitness professionals realize that teaching and training clients involves much more than simply counting sets and reps.newsletter_teaser: It doesn’t take long before many fitness professionals realize that teaching and training clients involves much more than simply counting sets and reps. Approaching clients from a more holistic perspective, with an eye toward body, mind and spiritual health, is one solution.

Qigong, an ancient Chinese mind-body movement practice, may improve quality of life for older hospitalized patients, according to a study published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (2014; doi: 10.1007/s40520-014-0250-y). Qigong blends breathing techniques, gentle movements and opment, and how were the meditation. Emerging evidence shows that qigong may programs received? ￼improve physical function, prevent falls, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve feelings of well-being.

A recent literature review of over 300 randomized, clinical trials found encouraging evidence that tai chi practice can help people with high blood pressure. The reviewers noted, however, that more high-quality, scientifically rigorous studies are needed to confirm the benefits and to clarify any risks of adverse side effects.
Scientists from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Tsinghua University, both in Beijing, conducted the review, available in Evidence-Based Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013; doi: 10.1155/2013/215254).

With moves like “crane spreading its wings” and “parting the wild horse’s mane,” tai chi encourages practitioners to engage mind and body in a series of flowing movements that require concentration and improve endurance, strength and balance.
Now, a research review conducted at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, has found that tai chi shows promise for managing anxiety as well. Each year in the United States, approximately 40 million adults suffer from anxiety issues; identifying drug-free approaches can offer valuable help and hope for many.